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f) Paul's writings are clearly "harmonized" in the Nicene Creed in the beginning (where it adds to Paul's words that the Father and the Son are of the same essence) as well as in the part where it says that Christ raised himself (rather than being raised by God, as Paul says), indicating that Paul was "close" but not on the mark.

From all this, it is clear that Paul's words in the Church are never to be confused with Christ's, or perchance placing Paul above the Gospels, as the Protestants do (and as their Gnostics relatives did).

There is no reason not to suppose that Paul's epistles were massaged. We have overwhelming evidence of Gospel and Petrine editing. I wonder what of those Pauline letters that did not make the cut. What were their contents? From what I've read, Paul wrote hundreds of letters during his ministry. If these were the best (after massaging), then what were the worst?

But Paul after all, was a rather pushy guy with a chip on his shoulder and a large inferiority complex towards the Apostles. I can understand his appeal to some when I look at some of the more successful televangelists who seem to pattern themselves after some of his character traits...

There is no reason not to suppose that Paul's epistles were massaged

It's a matter of belief. When Paul asserts that all scriptures are God-inspired or God-breathed, he neither specifies which writings are "scripture," or how they are identified, or what he meant by this term theopneustos. It is his own verbal coinage from Θεός + πνέω (God + breathe, or blow) that appears nowhere else in the entire Bible, and it can mean a number of things, just like so many other biblical sayings.

The Bible is like dough. You can shape and make it any way you want, to suit your taste and purpose.

Mark, is this official stance of the RCC? Or even most of the "faithful"?

"There is no reason no to supppose that Paul's epistles were massaged."

You really believe that? "All SCRIPTURE is given by INSPIRATION of God..." 2 Tim. 3:16.

Massaged? You really seem to have no understanding of the Word of God, if you believe that man "massaged" His Word of Truth.

Paul was such a "pushy" guy that he was inspired to write, BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, "For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles; I magnify mine office." Rom. 11:13. Sounds "pushy" UNTIL you understand that it was by inspiration of God, not pride or self-importance that he wrote that.

We know that Paul says BY INSPIRATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT that he was the chief of sinners, saved by grace, while Christ was the Holy Son of God and the Savior of sinners.

It is not the person of Paul but the POSITION of Paul that makes him say that he is the Apostle of the Gentiles, he magnifies his office. He was given his commission and authority to preach the Mystery, hid in God from the foundation of the world. To preach the gospel of the grace of God, to form the Church the Body of Christ, and to be a pattern to those who would, after him, believe on Christ to life everlasting.

Does the Scripture just mean what is says when you like what you read? It sounds like you're saying Paul wasn't a "real" apostle. Christ says differently.